Jeremy Corbyn hits out at Esther McVey's 'alarming' promotion to the Cabinet
2 min read
Jeremy Corbyn has hit out at Theresa May's "alarming" decision to promote Esther McVey to the Cabinet.
The Labour leader's spokesman said the "extremely unpopular" Tory MP was the wrong choice to be made Work and Pensions Secretary.
Ms McVey, who came in for criticism from disability groups during her time as a junior minister in the department, was appointed to the job late on Monday evening after Justine Greening turned it down during the Cabinet reshuffle.
It was a remarkable turnaround for the Tatton MP, who re-entered parliament at last year's general election and only returned to government in November when she was appointed Deputy Chief Whip.
Mr Corbyn's spokesman said: "Esther McVey is extremely unpopular because of her record in the last government as a DWP minister and the treatment of disabled people under that government.
"It's alarming that's she's now taken on this role, with all the baggage that goes with that."
JOHN MCDONNELL
The spokesman also refused to condemn John McDonnell for once repeating the views of one of Ms McVey's constituents, who said she should be "lynched".
He also called the minister a "stain on humanity" during a Commons debate three years ago.
Mr McDonnell stood by his choice of words on ITV's Good Morning Britain in 2016.
He said: "You have to be honest in politics, you know, you have to express how you feel. And I'm angry. I'm angry still about the role Esther McVey and her government played. People should go out and meet the families I've met who've lost loved ones as a result of the cuts to disability benefits."
Asked what Mr Corbyn made of his close ally's remarks, his spokesman said: "John McDonnell didn't say that she should be lynched. He was repeating what had been said at another meeting by a constituent.
"Calling for the lynching of somebody is obviously abusive and aggressive.
"John McDonnell has a very strong view that her record has been disastrous and very damaging for disabled people. Jeremy is also highly critical of her record. Her record is a cause for alarm and will be for disabled people in particular."
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